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Month: June 2018

According to ayurveda, proper digestion is at the core of balanced living and these three doshas are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha and are made up of the feel after meals, the more we can improve our digestion and our overall health. Ayurveda suggests simple combination of food, lifestyle and exercise to maintain healthy and productive system of doshas.

Pitta

According to Ayurveda, dosha or dosa is one of three bodily humors that make up single constitution. The Pitta is bilious humor which uses bile to direct digestion and so the metabolism. Pitta dosha is the energy principle aggravated by heat present in the body and outside. It governs the body temperature and metabolism as well as transforms the mind and body.

Below is how you can adjust your lifestyle to reduce pitta dosha. You can incorporate these lifestyle changes as you see appropriate.

Dietary modifications

You need to make certain changes to the way you eat and the food selections you make. Cut back on warming foods in your diet as they aggravate pitta dosha and these include spicy, oily and heavy foods. Eat dairy products, egg yolks, red meats and nuts in moderation as they can warm the body as well. Whole grains such as barley, wheat and oats can help reduce pitta dosha. Consider adding cool, sweet fruits, vegetables and herbal teas in your daily diet. Never miss meal or wait until you are overly hungry.

Exposure to sunlight and heat

You must avoid spending long durations outdoors when it is too hot as heat can greatly impact Pitta.

Don’t get into heated conversations

To reduce pitta, you need to work at staying cool. Avoid heated exchanges or situations. If you suspect that you are getting into a debate, pull back. Your objective should be to remain balanced, cantered and calm. You will be in better condition to reduce pitta dosha when you achieve and maintain state of calm.

Balance work with leisure and relaxation

You need to make time for yourself, fun activities and relaxation to achieve a balance. Taking some time out to ‘do nothing’ can actually sharpen minds and make you better at multitasking. On the other hand, working for extended hours can lead to burn-out. All you need is to take at least 15 to 30 minutes for some relaxing activity to balance Pitta dosha.

Get a good night’s sleep

You need to get enough sleep. Go to bed early and make sure you complete at least 7 hours of sleep. You should go by the old adage, ‘early to bed and early to rise’. This helps one stay energized and productive the next day.

Reducing or balancing pitta dosha has plenty of benefits. Besides making you get rid of your physical being and psychology balancing pitta keeps away from problems such as acne, boils, ulcers, heartburn, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines and lots more.

Sciatica is not a disease but it is a degenerative syndrome of leg pain. It is very strong pain felt in thighs that starts from the lower back to the entire leg. Sciatica is known as ‘grudhrasi’ in ayurveda. Sciatica (kAyurveda for sciaticanown as Gridhrasi) is a common ailment that some people suffer as they reach their late thirties. The problem usually occurs from the lower back all the way down the leg. Sciatica can become a very painful condition, with pain shooting up and down all along the sciatica nerve, affecting the buttock, thigh, calf and foot area of one side of the body and in some rare cases, both sides. Various effective treatments for sciatica exist in the ancient medicinal tradition of ayurveda.

Sciatica symptoms:

The earliest symptom is the pain felt in lower back, thighs and leg upto foot. Other common symptoms are,

Difficulty in lifting of legs,

Hip pain

Huge pain in thighs,

Troubles in walking,

Unable to move leg and pain while moving a bit,

Numbness and weakness in leg,

Constant pain in buttocks

Feeling too tired

Energy loss

Home Remedies:

Ayurveda provides some internal and external medications to be free of pain caused by Sciatica.

Internal Medication:

Ashtavargam, Maharaasnaadhi Kashayam, Sagajaraadhi Kashayam can be taken internally. The dosages are given in the outer label of the decoction container. Above stated decoctions are widely available in all ayurvedic shops and free of side effects.

External Medication:

Mahanaraayana thailam, Sagajaraadhi thailam, Dhanvanthram are the oils that can be applied on the pain area externally.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is fast becoming a buzzword in modern medicine for its use of completely naturally occurring substances for curative purposes. This usually has none or negligible side effects and provides a useful method of alternative therapy. Several ayurveda practitioners have cured sciatica purely based on the ancient ayurvedic texts.

While bed rest is one of the most highly recommended ways to ease the pain of sciatica, some other remedies are also suggested. According to some ayurveda scholars applying paste of tamarind that has been soaked in salt water, churned, filtered and boiled to form a paste like consistency to the affected leg is a very effective cure for the ailment. Patients are also usually advised to consume carbohydrates, foods that are rich in fibre, vegetables, and fruits. They are instructed to keep away from sour foods like curd, beans and other pulses, potatoes and fried foods. Few prescribed herbs for external application are nutmeg, juniper, chamomile, vanda orchid, guggulu and aloe vera.

Yoga is also a part of any ayurvedic treatment plan. While heavy exercises are not recommended for sciatica, light walking and swimming in luke warm water are recommended to ease the pain of sciatica.

All ayurvedic treatments must be carried out only under the care of a qualified professional and self medication should be avoided. This is because every patient is different and the treatment for every individual is crafter for the specific needs of that particular individual’s body. We suggest that you use this article as a learning tool, but before adopting any of these remedies, do consult your ayurvedic practitioner.

Boils are a deep infection of the hair follicle. They are red pus-filled swellings that are caused by a bacterium named Staphylococcus aureus. They are also known as ‘furuncle’ and ‘skin abscess’. The size of a boil can range from that of a pea to that of a golf ball. Heat Boils are at their strongest during the summer season. Boils are localized tender, inflamed, pus-filled swellings in the skin surrounded by large red areas. They are infections of the hair follicles of the skin.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Boils

The best ayurvedic treatment for boils is the application of turmeric paste. With turmeric paste the swollen boils quickly heal.

Aromatherapy is an effective ayurvedic treatment for boils. It helps to get rid of infection and eventually the boils. In aromapathy, tea tree, lavender and essential oils are used. Tea tree oil is effective in killing Staphylococcus and the medicated oil also drains the boil and facilitates speedy healing.

External application of Charmardadi Thailam on boils is considered to be very impactful in healing boils.

Make a thick paste of althea root powder, oat powder, echinacea powder and flax seed powder. Apply this mixture externally on the boil as this will help the release of the pus.

Consume aloe vera pulp and also use it for external application. However, this ayurvedic remedy is ill advised for pregnancy women.

Slightly warm a betel leaf till it becomes soft. Now coat it with pure castor oil and place it on affected area. This will rupture the boil and facilitate quick healing. For best results, repeat the procedure thrice a day.

Herbal Medicines for Boils

Take Kanchanara Guggulu pills twice a day.

Well Before going to bed it is recommended to take a tablespoon of Triphala Churna.

Shatavari Ghritam when taken with milk can cure boils very effectively.

Shobanjadadi Lepam is an effective ayurvedic treatment for instant relief from boils. Shobanjadadi Lepam is made by mixing powdered devdaru, shobhanjan root and kanji.

Another ayurvedic medicine for boils is Kaishara Guggulu and it can be taken 3 times per day.

Home Remedies for Boil

Dip a piece of bread in boiling water and then cool it to room temperature. Place it on the boil.

Onion and garlic extracts when applied externally, help to ripen the boil, crack them and drain out the pus.

To treat boils, drink a cup of bitter gourd juice with a table spoon of lemon juice on empty stomach.

Ground cumin seeds with water to form a paste. Apply this paste on the boil twice a day.

Castor bark is known to bring quick relief from boils. Grind it and make a paste with water. Apply externally on boils.

Stress and depression have in fact become a part of our everyday lives. Almost everybody has felt depressed or is stressed at some time or another in life. However when stress and depression, become a constant part and parcel of the persons life it becomes a problem.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression: Ayurveda considers that depression is caused due to vitiation of either the vata or the kapha doshas. Treatment of depression in ayurveda includes herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, massage, psychological counseling and diet changes.

Psychological counseling: Like in conventional medicine psychological counseling between the physician and the patient is done even in Ayurveda. This can help the physician to understand the possible cause of the depression and plan treatment accordingly.

Abhyanga: In Abhyanga or oil massage several aromatic oils are applied to the body and head and then massaged. The aroma of the oils and massage relieves the stress and provides a calming effect on the brain.

Shirodhaara: In Shirodhaara warm medicated oils or liquids on the forehead in a thin stream. This improves the circulation to the brain, relieves the nerve endings situated on the forehead and provides a calming effect on the brain. This therapy is used to calm down the vitiated vata dosha.

Yoga: Yoga has several effects that relieve depression. It helps a person to relax, free the mind of all worries and tensions and teaches how to meditate and focus on the positive aspects of life.

Herbs for Treatment of Depression: Plenty of herbs help in treatment of depression. Few of these are Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Cardamom, Jatamansi and Turmeric.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): The aphrodisiac properties of this herb remove negative thoughts from the mind and help in curing depression.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): This herb is usually given before a yogic session as it helps to relax the mind and bring it to a comfortable state. Brahmi oil has cooling and soothing effect on the mind. Regular application of this oil can prevent you from feeling depressed.

Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum): The pleasing odor can soothe the nerves. In a person with depression tea made with cardamom has amazing effects.

Guggulu (Commiphora wightii): The special chemicals in guggulu called as guggulsterones improve the nervous coordination and hence are beneficial in the treatment of depression. It is very effective for treatment of depression caused by seasonal affective disorder.

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Jatamansi calms the mind and channelizes the energies of the mind in the right direction. These help to remove the depressive thoughts.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): This commonly used herb can effectively treat depression that is caused by the change of seasons, i.e. seasonal affective disorder.

Diet for depression: Diet changes probably have benefit in depression. Eat light food that is easy to digest. Avoid oily foods, spicy foods and pulses like Bengal gram. Avoid meats and milk products during an attack of depression. Include lots of vitamin C, fresh fruits, vegetables and juices in your diet

Home Remedies for depression: Get a good head massage with a cooling oil like brahmi oil, do regular exercise and yoga. Focus on activities and hobbies that interest you in order to keep the away the thoughts that cause depression.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Stress: As per Ayurveda, stress is generally caused by imbalance of the sub doshas (prana vata, tarpaka kapha, sadhaka pitta) that govern the mind. This causes anxiety attacks and other signs of stress. Ayurvedic treatment for stress includes herbal treatment, diet treatment, pancha Karma, yoga, meditation and pranayama.

Diet treatment: Nutritious diet is beneficial in people with stress and the right diet can help to deal with stress. Avoid coffee, other caffeinated beverages, carbonated and alcoholic drinks. Eat liberal amount of fresh green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices.

Pancha Karma: Ayurvedic panchakarma for stress removes the harmful toxins from accumulating in the body and mind. It helps to cleanse the body and mind, improve digestion, strengthen the metabolic rate, and relieve stress.

Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama: Yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) can also help to relieve stress.

Flatulence is the presence of excessive air or gas in the stomach or intestines that bloats the organs. It may be an ordinary disease.eight out of ten people suffers from it. Ayurvedic Treatment of gas is vital for relieving gas pain quickly and getting rid of the problem naturally. If you are suffering from excessive gas formation in your digestive tract then Ayurvedic medicines can provide effective treatment in timely manner. The problem of gas is due to indigestion and it can either result in intestinal pain or release with unpleasant odour from rectum. The release from mouth is not considered as much of a problem if not too recurrent. The cause of odour in the gas passed through rectum is the presence of bacteria in the large intestine.

Gas

The Ayurvedic treatment for gas includes plenty of herbal remedies that can be prepared at home while several others are available at an Ayurvedic practitioner clinic or store. Some easy to make ayurvedic medicines for gas are as follows:

Cardamom

It is very useful for treating any digestive system disorder. Powdered form of cardamom is mixed with asafoetida and black salt in equal proportion of 5 grams each. Take this mixture and make a fine paste out of it with dry ginger. Stir the paste enough to completely mix the ingredients and then store it in a bottle. Take this water with lukewarm water 2 to 3 times a day. It is very effective in relieving gas.

Celery Seeds

Ajmoda or Celery Seeds

Mixture of celery seeds with one gram of anisi seeds with sugar is a medicine for gas. Take half teaspoon to one teaspoon dose with lukewarm water. This gives relief from gas pains and cures the ailment.

Choorma

This is an Ayurvedic medicine which is prepared with a number of herbs. One part of hing, three parts of black salt, six parts of harad, two parts of vacha, four parts of sonth, five parts of jeera, seven parts of pokhar mul and eight parts of mul. Take this preparation with warm water three times daily. Prepare this medicine by yourself or get it from an Ayurvedic practitioner. You can also try few specific Ayurvedic medicines prepared for gastric issues.

Hingavastak Choorna

Take this medicine in a dose of one teaspoonful twice daily with warm water.

Kumari Asava

This medicine comes in liquid form and one dosage is 20 ml. with equal quantity of warm water. Take this 2 times a day till your gas pains subside.

Hingutriguna Taila

This is a one of the Ayurvedic remedies for gas as well as constipation. Take on an empty stomach once a day.

Joint pain can be caused either due to mechanical or physical factors such as over use or physical trauma or injuries to the joints. While there are plenty of remedies and treatment approaches, you can also turn to panchkarma for relief.

Panchkarma

Panchakarma is a therapy that has the objective to purify and detoxify the body. The therapy can help in getting rid of various chronic diseases and also works as preventive treatment. Ayurveda describes panchkarma as more than a healing system and it is a combination of science and art of appropriate living to achieve longevity. Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma for cleaning body toxins and balancing all tridosha’s (Vata, Pitta and Kapha – three bio energies for body constitution).

How Panchakarma Treats Join Pain?

Many patients find relief from their joint pains after undergoing panchakarma and the five major actions of panchakarma are vamana, virechan, basti, nasya and rakta mokshana. These actions are ways of cleansing the body, mind and spirit. The cleansing enhances the overall health and facilitates self-healing. According to Ayurvedic practitioners, panchakarma has the power to repair damage done by everyday living and stress.

Five Steps of Panchkarma

Vamana – The first step of panchkarma is done using emetics, the substances that make you eliminate the Kapha causing the excess Mucus (therapeutic vomiting). Strong teas consisting of licorice and salt are used for this purpose.

Panchkarma for joint pain

Virechan – In virechan, natural laxatives are used to cleanse the intestinal tract off old waste products that are stuck in your body.

Basti – The third step involves the head, face and chest; these are massaged with oil. Medicated with ayurvedic herbs, the step serves to further cleanse the toxins from your digestive system.

Nasya – Nasya is the cleaning of the nose and the sinuses. A medicinal oil or herbal tea is taken through the nose to cleanse and stimulate the nasal cavities.

Asthapana Vasti (Niruha Vasti) – The step involves the introduction of herbal decoctions in the rectum.

The combination of mind-body healing techniques cleanses toxins from the body and clears the blockage in channels. This ascertains proper movement of vata (one of the foremost reasons behind joint pains), thereby bringing the patient’s condition back to normal.

Triphala is tremendous Ayurvedic medicine composed of three herbs that have great effect on boosting health. Triphala is Ayurvedic herb found in India and acts as entire body cleanser. It also helps in healthy bowel movements. And triphala churna is the herb in its powdered form.

Health Benefits for Triphala Churna is as follows:

Increases Body immune power

Improve Digestive System

Used as mild laxative, provide relief from constipation

Removes body toxins, used as gastrointestinal cleanser

In diabetic

In eye disease

Powerful antioxidant effect

Strengthen brain cells

Hair growth

Weight loss

Weight gain

Triphala powder

The great benefits of triphala churna are manifold and particular potency of triphala comes from the synergy of the three healing elements of which it has been composed. This amazing herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in India for thousands of years. It is not only tremendous laxative and cleanser but also used to treat cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure and ulcerative colitis. If used regularly it may help in rejuvenating and detoxifying the liver and blood.

For best results, triphala churna should be taken with water. In case, it seems too much to drink at one time then the mixture can be separated into three smaller doses and take it well before meal throughout the day. Triphala is considered as ‘tridoshikrasayana’; balances and rejuvenates the effects of three elements (vata, pitta and kapha) in the human body. Triphala churna has reference in the ancient Indian texts like Charak and Shushrut Samhitas as well.

Some other Health benefits of triphala churna include:

It is perfect for the eyes, skin as well as heart. It is perfect for cleanse the subtle energy channels of the body helping one to feel calmer. It can also reduce thinning of hair and bring colour back to greying hair as well.

Good for hair

According to Ayurvedic, it is tremendous for memory function and also has anti ageing qualities. It enhances immune function and increases red blood cell count. It helps regulate the digestive system helping the body break down and absorb nutrients from food. It is also great natural remedy for acidity and encourages appetite.

Lungs

It helps in the elimination and maintaining balance in the urinary tract and is a natural colon cleanser. By keeping the liver healthy, it enables the body to get rid of toxins. It also helps maintain the moisture and mucus balance in the lungs thereby reduces the potential for respiratory infections.

Moreover, it not only helps maintain the muscle tone but also contributes in development of lean muscle mass especially for yoga practitioners. It has no side effects and being completely natural and its benefits are maintained through regular consumption. It can be taken in powder or capsule form and is safe for regular use.

Dandruff is very common scalp disorder with number of possible reasons ranging from stress to improper hair care. The great news is that Ayurveda has got effective and long term treatment for dandruff. There are plenty of ayurvedic remedies to cure dandruff.

Ayurvedic products for dandruff

Ayurvedic treatment for dandruff is gentle on hair but greatly effective to overcome dandruff issue. Since ayurvedic medicines and products for dandruff are made up of natural ingredients they are free from side effects.

Hair Oil: It is the tremendous way to treat dandruff and get healthy hair. It is prepared by using coconut oil, neem and kapoor. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of neem make this oil effective to cure dandruff.

Shampoos: An Ayurvedic shampoo is prepared by using shikakai and ritha. Both of these ayurvedic herbs are famous for their treating and cleansing properties. Few of these shampoos also contain neem to cure dandruff.

Fenugreek seeds are very effective for overall hair care, especially to prevent dandruff. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them to fine paste. Now apply the paste on your hair for half an hour and then wash with mild shampoo.

Neem is another effective herb to treat dandruff. Boil neem leaves in water and use this water to wash your hair.

Tea tree oil is effective against dandruff. Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil in a cup of hot water and massage your hair with this. After half an hour rinse your hair with lemon water followed by plain water.

Make paste of tulsi leaves and amla. Apply this paste on your scalp and massage gently. Leave for about one hour and then wash.

Massage your scalp with equal quantity of vinegar and lime juice. Rinse with a mild shampoo.

Neem leaves with lemon is tremendous mixture that can help you get rid of dandruff from your scalp. Prepare paste of neem leaves and lemon and apply the mixture to your scalp. Leave it for at least 30 minutes before you rinse it off. For tremendous results, use this home remedy 2 times per week.

Acidity is condition in which stomach finds excessive acidic secretion in the body and is also referred as Amalpitta in ayurveda. Ama is the main acidic perpetrator. In acidity, there are three kinds of doshic imbalances which can occur due to interventions of vata, kalpa or both of these. To keep check on these imbalances, you can rely on ayurvedic treatment for acidity. Ulcer is common complaint from acidity and this blog will be useful for those looking for ayurvedic treatment for ulcer.

Some of the ayurvedic treatments for acidity

Chewing tulsi leaves can give a big relief from acidity by calming down the burning sensation and gas.

Keep jaggery or gurr in your mouth and slowly suck it till the time acidity caves in.

Eat banana, cucumber and water melon on an hourly basis.

You can also go for coriander seeds and aniseed or sauf to get instant relief from acidity.

Drink lemon juice with addition of equal amounts of salt and sugar.

Coconut water is one of the natural remedies of acidity if consumed 4 to 5 times a day.

Ayurveda for Acidity

Chewing harad (terminilian chebula) after every meal is one of the popular ayurvedic remedies for acidity.

Raw garlic is the arch enemy of acidity. let it do the job for you!

Mix 1 table of chebulic myroblan with one tablespoon of amla juice and drink it daily.

Maintain an upright position for some time after meals.

Mix 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoon of honey in a glass of water and drink it before meals.

Mint juice is another element in ayurveda treatment for acidity.

Reduce your diet.

Exercising is highly recommended. So after every meal, walk, twist and twirl!

Whenever you feel heartburn or acidic, eat some almonds.

Make sure that your diet is a combination of all tastes instead of focus on just one taste.

Drink cold milk to receive instant relief from heartburn and acidity.

Food rich in fibre such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, pulses and seeds must be consumed. They help in digestion.

Acidic food such as pickles, vinegar, tamarinds and curds should be avoided during an acidity attack.

Besides following all the above mentioned ayurevda tips for acidity, you can bring about certain changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.

Fatty and oil food having acidic contents should be avoided while your ayurveda treatment for acidity cure is in process.

Try to avoid drinking water immediately after eating.

Lessen the intake of tea and coffee and avoid smoking. An elevated sleeping posture is really beneficial. By elevated we mean that your head and shoulders should be comforted on a high pillow.

Ayurveda is widely used for the instant relief that it is known to provide. Majority of the ayurvedic medicines for acidity are home based and that is what makes it all the more easy to follow and dependable as well. Ayurvedic treatment for ulcer and acidity can be of huge relief as you can save yourself from the side effects of medications.

From the ancient treasure chest of Ayurveda, there comes a type of massage that is getting popularity the world over. This ancient Ayurvedic technique that uses herbal Ayurvedic oils and basalt stones heated in water to provide slow and deep tissue massage. Shila Abhyanga is a holistic massage therapy that heals several levels and restores overall balance. But it is important to customize it by factoring in the person’s individual health condition, constitutional make-up, seasonal changes and usage of oil most-suited for his/her dosha.

What is Shila Abhyanga?

This massage is traditionally providing to stimulate the circulatory system, soften and relax the muscles, release toxins, relieve pains and muscle spasms and induce state of deep relaxation. The body is first oiled to dissolve stress and open the marma (physical and energetic) points. The next step is to apply the Shila (basalt, circular stones of varying sizes and particular therapeutic qualities), heated in water, over key points (marmas) on the body. The therapist also uses room-temperature crystals, placed on the body in a precise sequence to harmonize with the chakra system. The stones are firmly glided over oiled muscles while the pointed stones are used as tools for a deeper massage. It is essential for the stone therapist to use the correct techniques and stones that are heated to a comfortable temperature. Along with the massage, the influence of serenity and a healing intention are also important in the outcome for the client.

Shila Abhyanga has several benefits:

The stones act as radiators of heat, and are rated in terms of high, medium and low thermal radiance.

Stone therapy brings about a relaxing, deep-tissue release and alignment in the body-mind complex.

The heat of the stones softens tension and melts away stress and anxiety.

If the person undergoing the Abhyanga is receptive then they may experience physically restorative and spiritually uplifting transformation.

The stones and crystals transform the anatomy and removes imbalances in our physical body.

As most minerals possess a magnetic quality, the stones also work like magnets. The Abhyanga stones magnetize and extract repressed emotion, depression, sorrow and physical pain and also remain hot for extended periods of time.

The darker stones have the most iron and the highest magnetic intensity.

Essential in a Fast-Paced Life

Today’s urban, technology-driven societies expose people to high burnout, and they end up disconnected from nature’s healing rhythms. High on caffeine or spicy food, chaotic, over stimulated and stressed out – these terms accurately describe them! They seek calmness, but this can come only from within – by enhancing the prana and observing the mind. The warmth of the stones in Shila Abhyanga helps still the over-active mind and the Vata element, inducing a tranquil, quiet state. As the Abhyanga therapist works with the earth energy in the body through the placement of heated stones especially on areas that gather tension such as back, neck and shoulders, the client feels more grounded and experiences a sedating and healing effect on the nervous system along with a rejuvenating and cleansing effect.

The Benefits of Shila Abhyanga

Increases circulation, lymph and vitality

Releases toxins; reduces tension

Irons out tight muscles, softens tissues with heat

Balances the chakra system when the stones are placed and spun correctly

Sedates the central nervous system when the stones are laid on the spinal column

Grounds the body by balancing the Vata element within the body

Improves the tone of visceral organs

Gently exfoliates the skin

Incorporates sound and vibration by tapping and music therapy

Adds more energy to the session since stones are living microcosms of energy